Truck process management tool for transport operations

ABSTRACT

A process management tool for managing transport of a material between a first location and a second location is disclosed. The process management tool includes a communication device configured to receive data messages, a display device, an input device configured to receive user inputs, and a processor in communication with the communication device, the display device, and the input device. The processor is configured to generate a graphical user interface on the display device. The graphical user interface includes a map indicative of a position of each of one or more transport vehicles with respect to the first location and the second location. The graphical user interface further includes a first graphical object indicative of a spacing between a first transport vehicle and a second transport vehicle of the one or more transport vehicles and a second graphical object indicative of a process parameter associated with the material.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.15/381,094, filed Dec. 15, 2016, which is a continuation-in-partapplication of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/997,243, filed Jan. 15,2016, the contents of each of which are expressly incorporated herein byreference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to a process management tooland, more particularly, to a truck process management tool for transportoperations.

BACKGROUND

Paved roadways that are built to facilitate vehicular travel aretypically resurfaced from time to time as wear and tear caused byseveral factors, such as fatigue and freeze-thaw cycles, degrades thesurface of the roadway. Many paved roadways consist of an asphaltsurface course that is supported by a base course comprising one or morelayers of aggregate material deposited on a subgrade of native earthmaterial. After the base course is prepared during a road buildingoperation or after the old surface course is removed during aresurfacing operation, fresh asphalt for the new surface course is laiddown using a paving machine and compacted to form a strong, smooth roadsurface. In many cases, fresh asphalt is produced at a plant anddelivered to the worksite in haul trucks while the asphalt is still at ahigh enough temperature to be effectively laid down and compacted. Toensure the paving process is able to run continuously and efficiently, acontinuous and steady flow of fresh asphalt must be delivered to thepaver. Thus, there are often several haul trucks participating in theasphalt transport process—while some trucks are picking up freshmaterial, others are already in transit to the paver with freshmaterial, while others are emptying their payload or have already doneso and are returning to the plant.

In many cases, a foreman or other operations manager is responsible foroverseeing material transport operations to ensure the paving processruns smoothly. This task includes managing the flow of fresh materialbetween the plant and the worksite to ensure fresh asphalt is constantlyavailable to the paver, while preventing an over-accumulation of asphaltat the jobsite. When the paver is starved of fresh asphalt, the pavingprocess must be paused, which can cause a chain of events that reducethe efficiency of operations. For example, when the paver stops,compacting operations behind the paver must stop, and road millingoperations ahead of the paver may be required to stop (e.g., to avoidmilling more road surface than can be repaved in the remaining worktime). Idle time reduces efficiency and is often avoided where possible.On the other hand, when too much fresh asphalt accumulates at theworksite, a queue of haul trucks may develop, which can createinconveniences at the worksite and reduce the overall efficiency of theoperation (i.e., resulting in idle trucks waiting to dump theirpayload). Additionally, the hot asphalt in each truck constantly coolsover time, and if trucks are required to wait in line too long beforedumping their payload (i.e., before the asphalt is used in the pavingprocess), the asphalt can cool below an acceptable usable temperatureand may have to be discarded, which is wasteful and costly.

A system for controlling paving process operations is disclosed in U.S.Pat. No. 8,930,092 that issued to Minich on Jan. 6, 2015 (“the '092patent”). In particular, the '092 patent discloses a system formonitoring and controlling paving operation that incorporates anintegrated trucking logistics process, an integrated yield process, andan integrated quality control process. The integrated trucking logisticsprocess involves identifying when trucks encounter “witness points”along the delivery and return paths between a plant and a worksite tofacilitate estimating the arrival time of the truck at the worksite inconjunction with a commercial traffic monitoring system. When a truckdelivers material to a paver, the material delivered is associated withthat truck, and the truck is “released” from the paver. The empty truckis added to an inbound manifest of the plant, and an estimated time ofarrival of the truck at the plant is determined. This information isused to control paving speed, plant production rate, and shipping rates.

While the system of the '092 patent may allow for arrival times oftrucks to be estimated at the worksite and the plant, it may not beoptimum. In particular, the system of the '092 patent may be limited toobserving trucking operations for purposes of controlling paver andplant operations. Further, the system of the '092 patent may ultimatelyrely on the foremen to observe trucking operations and to communicatethose observations, which can be a burden on the foreman.

The truck process management tool of the present disclosure solves oneor more of the problems set forth above and/or other problems in theart.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, the present disclosure is related to a process managementtool for managing transport of a material between a first location and asecond location. The process management tool includes a communicationdevice configured to receive data messages, a display device, an inputdevice configured to receive user inputs, and a processor incommunication with the communication device, the display device, and theinput device. The processor is configured to generate a graphical userinterface on the display device. The graphical user interface includes amap indicative of a position of each of one or more transport vehicleswith respect to the first location and the second location. Thegraphical user interface further includes a first graphical objectindicative of a spacing between a first transport vehicle and a secondtransport vehicle of the one or more transport vehicles and a secondgraphical object indicative of a process parameter associated with thematerial.

In another aspect, the present disclosure is related to a method ofproviding a process management tool having a display device for managingtransport of a material between a first location and a second location.The method includes generating a graphical user interface on the displaydevice and displaying a map on the graphical user interface, the mapbeing indicative of a position of each of one or more transport vehicleswith respect to the first location and the second location. The methodfurther includes displaying a first graphical object on the graphicaluser interface, the first graphical object being indicative of a spacingbetween a first transport vehicle and a second transport vehicle of theone or more transport vehicles. The method further includes displaying asecond graphical object on the graphical user interface, the secondgraphical object being indicative of a process parameter associated withthe material.

In yet another aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a processmanagement tool for managing transport of a material between a firstlocation and a second location. The process management tool includes acommunication device configured to receive data messages, a displaydevice, an input device configured to receive user inputs, and aprocessor in communication with the communication device, the displaydevice, and the input device. The processor is configured to generate agraphical user interface on the display device. The graphical userinterface includes a map indicative of a position of each of one or moretransport vehicles with respect to the first location and the secondlocation. The graphical user interface further includes a firstgraphical object indicative of a spacing between a first transportvehicle and a second transport vehicle as a time or a distance, a secondgraphical object indicative of a process parameter indicative of one ofa material production rate and a material consumption rate, and a thirdgraphical object indicative of an operating parameter of the first orsecond transport vehicle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a pictorial illustration of an exemplary worksite of a roadsurfacing operation having a plurality of machines;

FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic illustration of an exemplary disclosed controlsystem that may be used to coordinate the operations of the machines ofFIG. 1;

FIGS. 3-8 are pictorial illustrations of exemplary disclosed graphicaluser interfaces that may be generated by the control system of FIG. 2;and

FIGS. 9 and 10 are pictorial illustrations of exemplary disclosedgraphical user interfaces associated with an exemplary disclosed processmanagement tool that may be generated by the control system of FIG. 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For the purpose of this disclosure, the term “asphalt” is defined as amixture of aggregate and asphalt cement. Asphalt cement is abrownish-black solid or semi-solid mixture of bitumens obtained as abyproduct of petroleum distillation. The asphalt cement can be heatedand mixed with the aggregate for use in paving roadway surfaces, wherethe mixture hardens upon cooling.

FIG. 1 shows an exemplary worksite 10 where a plurality of machines 12are employed to perform a road surfacing operation, such as laying downan asphalt layer onto a work surface 14. The surfacing operationinvolves completing a plurality of different tasks according to aplanned design model of the finished road. Each machine 12 may be usedto perform one or more of the plurality of tasks based on the types ofoperations that each respective machine 12 is configured to perform.That is, each machine 12 is particularly configured to perform certaintasks that other machines may not be configured to perform. In this way,each machine 12 is associated with one of the plurality of tasks.

For example, machines 12 include one or more (i.e., at least one) haultrucks 16, paving machines (“paver”) 18 (only one shown), and compactingmachines (“compactors”) 20. It is understood that other types ofmachines may be used. Each haul truck 16 is a mobile machine supportedon a plurality of wheels 22 connected to a frame 24. Wheels 22 areoperably connected to and driven by an engine 26 via a plurality ofdrivetrain components (e.g., a flywheel or a torque converter, atransmission, a driveshaft, a differential, an axle, etc.). Each haultruck 16 includes a bed 28 attached to frame 24 for carrying an amountof material, such as paving material (e.g., asphalt), from a firstlocation, such as an asphalt production plant (“plant”) 30, to a secondlocation, such as worksite 10. Bed 28 includes an open top side forreceiving material and an enclosed rear side having a hinged tailgatefor dumping material. The rear side of bed 28 is connected to frame 24via a hinging mechanism, and a lifting actuator (e.g., a hydrauliccylinder) is attached to a front side of bed 28, thereby allowing thefront side of bed 28 to be tipped upward for dumping material.

Paver 18 may be a wheeled or tracked machine equipped with a hopper 32at a front side of paver 18 for storing paving material to be depositedonto work surface 14. Material from hopper 32 is moved via a conveyorsystem to a rear side of paver 18 where the material is deposited ontowork surface 14. Hopper 32 includes an open top side configured toreceive additional material from haul truck 16 to replace depositedmaterial. The material is distributed across at least a portion of awidth of paver 18 by an auger or other distribution device.

A screed 34 is connected to the rear end of paver 18, and paver 18 pullsscreed 34 over the freshly deposited material to create a mat of pavingmaterial having a desired thickness on top of work surface 14. Screed 34includes one or more screed plates that smooth out the fresh pavingmaterial. The screed plates are adjustable via one or more associatedactuators for changing the height, width, and/or slope of the screedplates. In some embodiments, one or more of the screed plates areconnectable to an end of another screed plate by fasteners or anothertype of connection. Operating parameters, such as a groundspeed of paver18 and the height, width, and slope of screed 34 can be controlled froman operator station 36 using a plurality of control devices 38 (shownonly in FIG. 2).

Compactors 20 are equipped with compacting tools 40 configured tocompact the material beneath them. As shown in FIG. 1, compactor 20 issupported on the work surface 14 by compacting tools 40 and propelledvia a hydraulic system operatively connected to and driven by a powersource (e.g., an engine). Compacting tool 40 is rotationally connectedto a frame 44. In this way, compactor 20 can be driven forward oncompacting tools 40. Operating parameters, such as a groundspeed, atravel direction, and/or other parameters, can be controlled from anoperator station 46 using a plurality of control devices 48. In someembodiments, compacting tool 40 is a drum having a smooth outer surfaceconfigured to engage and compact work surface 14. The drum may includean internal vibratory system comprising one or more eccentric weightsdriven by motors for vibrating compacting tool 40 at a certain frequencyand amplitude to cause greater compaction of the material beneathcompacting tool 40. The frequency and amplitude of the vibratory system,along with other operating parameters, such as a groundspeed and traveldirection of compactor 20, can be controlled from operator station 46using at least one of the plurality of control devices 48.

Plant 30 is configured to produce asphalt for use at worksite 10. Theasphalt produced at plant 30 may comply with certain specifications,such as aggregate size (e.g., fine grade, course grade, etc.), aggregatematerial type (e.g., granite, river gravel, sandstone, etc.), aggregateshape (e.g., round, angular, etc.), percent of asphalt cement,production temperature, etc. Plant 30 produces asphalt at a certainproduction rate, such as an amount of asphalt (e.g., tons) per hour, andin accordance with a production plan, which may include goals and/orlimitations on amounts of asphalt produced over a period of time (e.g.,per day) or for use on a particular jobsite (e.g., worksite 10).Although only one plant 30 is shown in FIG. 1, plant 30 may be one of aplurality of plants that produce asphalt for use on worksite 10. As usedherein, the phrase “production rate” refers to an amount of material(e.g., a weight, a mass, a volume, a two-dimensional area, etc.) perunit time, such as a mass flow rate, a volume flow rate, an amount perunit area, amount per unit length, etc.

Asphalt produced at plant 30 has an initial temperature immediatelyfollowing production that is relatively high and decreases over time.Generally, haul trucks 16 transport hot asphalt from plant 30 toworksite 10 so that when the asphalt is loaded into paver 18, thetemperature of the asphalt is still high enough to be properly depositedand compacted. When the paving operation on worksite 10 is delayed forany reason, haul trucks 16 can be delayed from unloading their freshasphalt, which can lead to the fresh asphalt being significantly reducedin temperature. This can reduce the amount of time available for paver18 to deposit the asphalt and for compactors 20 to compact the depositedasphalt before it becomes too cool and unworkable. Further, delays inthe paving process can create situations in which haul trucks 16, paver18, and/or compactors 20 sit idly until the paving process resumes,which can reduce the overall efficiency of the surfacing operation.

As shown in FIG. 2, control system 50 provides operators and supervisorswith the ability to observe and/or control aspects of the surfacingoperation from asphalt production to the final compacting operation.Control system 50 is configured to collect data from each machine 12 andplant 30 and present the data to operators and supervisors in a formatthat allows them to quickly understand the state of the surfacingoperation and coordinate tasks to avoid delays. Control system 50includes one or more (e.g., a plurality of) machine control systems,each being configured to gather and process machine data, such ascurrent and historical operating parameters, and allow operators andsupervisors to view the data and respond by manipulating currentoperating parameters.

For example, FIG. 2 shows a first machine control system 52 a associatedwith paver 18 and a second machine control system 52 b associated withcompactor 20. It is noted that although FIG. 2 only shows machinecontrol systems 52 a, 52 b, other machines, such as haul trucks 16, andplant 30 may each include a similar associated control system. Eachmachine control system 52 a, 52 b includes a plurality of devicesconfigured to allow for manual or automatic control of certain machineoperations and adjustments of certain operating parameters particular topaver 18 or compactor 20, respectively. For instance, machine controlsystem 52 a associated with paver 18 includes control devices 38, andcontrol system 52 b associated with compactor 20 includes controldevices 48.

Control devices 38 include devices that may be located onboard (e.g., inoperator station 36) or off-board paver 18 that are configured to beused by personnel to control the operations and operating parameters ofpaver 18. For example, control devices 38 may include machine controls,such as an accelerator 54 a for controlling the groundspeed of paver 18,a brake 56 a for controlling the deceleration of paver 18, a steeringdevice 58 a for controlling the travel direction of paver 18, and a toolcontrol 60 a for controlling one or more tool positions and/ororientations. For instance, tool control 60 a of paver 18 may beconfigured to control one or more of the height, width, and slope ofscreed 34. Tool control 60 a embodies one or more levers, push buttons,switches, joysticks, etc. Although each of control devices 38 is shownin FIG. 2 as a separate device, it is understood that the functions ofmultiple control devices can be incorporated into a single device, suchas a single joystick or electronic control device.

In some embodiments, control devices 38 include a multi-functionalcontrol device 62 a configured to receive information from and provideinformation to personnel for controlling paver 18. For example, controldevice 62 a includes one or more input devices 64 a, such as buttons,soft keys, a keyboard, a mouse, a touch screen, etc., for receivinginputs from personnel indicative of information or requests forinformation relating to paver 18. Control device 62 a also includes adisplay device 66 a, such as an LED, LCD, CRT, or other type of displaydevice configured to receive signals and/or show information associatedwith the signals. In some embodiments, control device 62 a is anoff-board entity, such as an off-board computer 68 that includes inputdevice 64 c and display device 66 c and is configured to include orcommunicate with machines 12 and plant 30.

Off-board computer 68 may be a mobile device, such as a smartphone, apersonal digital assistant (PDA), a tablet, or another type of mobilecomputing device. Alternatively, off-board computer 68 may be a desktopcomputer, a laptop computer, or a specialized computing device or othertype of electronic device. Off-board computer 68 includes a processor 67configured to carry out operations consistent with the presentdisclosure, associated memory 69 (e.g., RAM, ROM, flash, magnetic diskor tape, etc.) containing instructions for carrying out operationsconsistent with the present disclosure, and communications equipment(e.g., hardware and software), such as communication device 80 c,configured to allow off-board computer 68 to communicate data with otherelectronic devices via wired or wireless platforms (e.g., cellular,Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, infrared, etc.). Off-board computer 68 includes one ormore input devices 64 c configured to receive user inputs and a displaydevice 71. In some embodiments, input devices 64 c includes displaydevice 71. For example, in some embodiments, display device 71 is amultifunctional display device configured to display visual informationand receive user inputs (e.g., via a touchscreen). In some embodiments,display device 71 is an output-only device (i.e., a device capable ofdisplaying visual outputs via a screen portion but not capable ofreceiving in puts via the screen portion). Input devices 64 c may alsoor alternative include other input devices, such as a mouse, a keyboard,a stylus, a remote control, and/or other input devices.

Control system 52 a includes a locating device 70 a configured todetermine a two- or three-dimensional location of paver 18 with respectto a global or local coordinate system. For example, locating device 70a is configured to receive location signals from one or more (e.g., aplurality of) satellites associated with a global navigation satellitesystem (GNSS), such as Naystar Global Positioning System (GPS), GLONASS,Galileo, Beidou, etc. Locating device 70 a uses the positioning signalsto determine its own position (e.g., by trilateration) with respect tothe coordinate system, which is used to determine the location of thepaver 18.

Control system 52 a includes one or more sensors 72 a (only one shown),each being associated with an operating parameter or an actuator forcarrying out commands from operators and supervisors received viacontrol devices 38. Sensors 72 a generate signals indicative of, forexample, an operating parameter (e.g., a temperature, a pressure, afluid level, etc.) or an actuator position that may be used to determineother information about paver 18, such as one or more other operatingparameters. Sensors 72 a may include a speed sensor configured togenerate a signal indicative of the groundspeed of paver 18. Sensors 72a may also include a temperature sensor configured to generate a signalindicative of a temperature of asphalt in hopper 32. It is understoodthat sensors 72 a may include other types of sensors configured togenerate signals indicative of other operating parameters associatedwith paver 18 for determine current operating parameters and/or trackingoperating parameters over a period of operating time.

For instance, in some embodiments, control system 52 a includes aproduction monitoring system 74 configured to generate a signalindicative of an amount of material (e.g., asphalt) deposited by paver18. Production monitoring system 74 includes one or more positionsensors 76 configured to generate signals indicative of the width,height (e.g., height above work surface 14), or slope of screed 34 orits individual screed plates. Each position sensor 76 is associated withan actuator, such as a hydraulic or electronic actuator, configured tochange the length, height, or slope of at least a portion of screed 34.

A control module 78 is associated with production monitoring system 74and configured to determine the amount of material deposited by paver 18based on the signals generated by position sensors 76. For example, insome embodiments, control module 78 is configured to determine an amountof material per unit distance traveled by paver 18 (e.g., based on thedetermined height and width of screed 34). Control module 78 is inelectronic communication with other electronic devices included with orexternal to production monitoring system 74, such as sensors 72 a,memory devices, and/or other computational devices, etc. Such devicesmay provide additional information used by control module 78 indetermining the amount of material deposited by paver 18. For instance,when sensors 72 a include a speed sensor configured to generate a signalindicative of the groundspeed of paver 18, control module 78 receivesthis signal as an input for determining a total amount (e.g., a totalvolume) of asphalt deposited on work surface 14 over a period of pavingtime. Additional information, such as the density of the paving materialdeposited may be stored in memory associated with control module 78 orreceived as an input by control module 78 from another source. Controlmodule 78 is configured to use this additional information to determinethe total weight (e.g., tons) or mass flow rate (e.g., tons per hour) ofmaterial deposited by paver 18.

In some embodiments, production monitoring system also or alternativelyincludes a material sensor and conveyor speed sensor associated with aconveying system (not shown) for moving material from hopper 32 to worksurface 14 year screed 34. For example, the material sensor includes amechanical sensor configured to detect a height of paving material beingtransferred on the conveyor system. Control module 78 is configured touse the material height in conjunction with the speed of the conveyorand known dimensions of the conveying system (such as dimensions oftunnels connecting hopper 32 to the rear side of paver 18 to determinethe volume flow rate of material being deposited by paver 18. In someembodiments, the material sensors may alternatively embody an ultrasonicsensor, laser scanner, optical sensor, or another type of non-contactsensor configured to generate a signal indicative of a height or an areaprofile of the material on the conveyor system. Control module 78 isconfigured to use the material height and known dimensions of theconveying system in conjunction with the conveyor speed, or the areaprofile in conjunction with the conveyor speed to determine the volumeflow rate of material deposited by paver 18. Control module 78 isconfigured to use the known density of the paving material inconjunction with the volume flow rate to determine the mass flow rateand/or total amount (e.g., weight) of material deposited by paver 18over a period of conveying time.

Control system 52 a also includes a communication device 80 a.Communication device 80 a include hardware and/or software that enablessending and receiving of data messages between paver 18 and off-boardentities (e.g., others of machines 12, off-board computer 68, otherdevices, etc.). The data messages are sent and received via a directdata link and/or a wireless communication link, as desired. The directdata link may include an Ethernet connection, a connected area network(CAN), or another data link known in the art. The wirelesscommunications may include one or more of satellite, cellular,Bluetooth, WiFi, infrared, and any other type of wireless communicationsthat enables communication device 80 a to exchange information. Datamessages transmitted via communication device 80 a may include any datagenerated or information determined by any of the other components ofcontrol system 52 a, including operating parameters of paver 18 (e.g.,groundspeed, asphalt temperature, amount of material deposited, massflow rate, etc.)

Control system 52 a also includes a controller 82 a in electroniccommunication with the other components of control system 52 a. As usedherein, the phrase “electronic communication” refers to a configurationwherein data may be transferred via a wired connection, a wirelessconnection, or combinations thereof. As used herein, the term“controller” (e.g., with reference to controller 82 a and/or othercontrollers described herein) may embody a computing device (e.g., acomputer) having a single microprocessor or multiple microprocessors,computer memory (e.g., non-transitory computer-readable medium), and/orother components configured to receive inputs from other components ofcontrol system 50 and generating output signals based on the inputs. Forexample, controllers may include a memory, a secondary storage device, aclock, and a processing hardware for accomplishing a task consistentwith the present disclosure. Numerous commercially availablemicroprocessors can be configured to perform the functions ofcontrollers described herein. It should be appreciated that controllersdescribed herein could readily embody a general machine controller(e.g., an electronic control unit (ECU), central processing unit (CPU),etc.) capable of controlling numerous other machine functions. Variousother known circuits may be associated with controllers describedherein, including signal-conditioning circuitry, communicationcircuitry, and other appropriate circuitry.

Controller 82 a is configured to receive data inputs from each componentof control system 52 a, process the data, and generate output signalsbased on the inputs and/or processed data. For example, controller 82 ais configured to receive inputs from control system 52 a andautomatically generate machine commands, such as commands to adjust(e.g., increase or decrease) the groundspeed of paver 18, adjust thewidth, height, or slope of screed 34, adjust the travel direction ofpaver 18, and/or adjust a feed rate of paving material from hopper 32 toscreed 34 (e.g., via the speed of the conveyor system). Controller 82 ais also be configured to generate output signals to other components ofcontrol system 52 a. For example, controller 82 a is configured togenerate graphical images indicative of operational information based onreceived inputs and display the graphical images on display device 66 afor viewing by the operator of paver 18. The operational informationindicated by the graphical images may represent data generated bycontrol system 52 a, information generated by control system 52 breceived via communication device 80 a, or a combination thereof (e.g.,data generated by each control system 52 a, 52 b or information based ondata generated by each control system 52 a, 52 b). That is, controller82 a is configured to generate one or more output signals based on datagenerated by control system 52 b of compactor 20.

In some embodiments, control system 52 b is a second machine controlsystem included in control system 50, and may also be particularlyassociated with compactor 20. For example, in some embodiments, controlsystem 52 b includes a plurality of devices, such as control devices 48,configured to allow for manual or automatic control of certainoperations and adjustments of certain operating parameters particular tocompactor 20. Control devices 48 include devices that may be locatedonboard (e.g., in operator station 46) or off-board compactor 20 thatare configured to be used by personnel to control the operations andoperating parameters of compactor 20. For example, in some embodiments,control devices 48 include machine controls, such as an accelerator 54 bfor controlling the groundspeed of compactor 20, a brake 56 b forcontrolling the deceleration compactor 20, a steering device 58 b forcontrolling the travel direction of compactor 20, and a tool control 60b for controlling one or more aspects of compacting tool 40.

Tool control 60 b is configured to control one or more of the vibrationfrequency or vibration amplitude (i.e., the compacting force) ofcompacting tool 40. Tool control 60 b is also be configured to providecontrol of other aspects of compactor 20, such as a watering system,lighting, canopy operations, a parking brake, etc. Tool control 60 b mayinclude one or more levers, push buttons, switches, joysticks etc.Although each of control devices 48 is shown in FIG. 2 as a separatedevice, it is understood that the functions of multiple control devicescan be incorporated into a single device, such as a single joystick orelectronic control device.

In some embodiments, control devices 48 include a multi-functionalcontrol device 62 b configured to receive information from and provideinformation to personnel for controlling compactor 20. Control device 62b is similar to control device 62 a and may include, for example, one ormore input devices 64 b and a display device 66 b. In some embodiments,control device 62 b is an off-board entity and, in some instances, isthe same off-board entity as control device 62 a.

Control system 52 b may also include a locating device 70 b configuredto determine a two- or three-dimensional location of compactor 20 and acommunication device 80 b configured to communicate data with others ofmachines 12 and off-board computer 68. Locating device 70 b may besimilar to locating device 70 a, and communication device 80 b may besimilar to communication device 80 a.

Control system 52 b also includes one or more sensors 72 b (only oneshown), each being associated with an operating parameter or an actuatorfor carrying out commands from operators and supervisors received viacontrol devices 38. Sensors 72 b generate signals indicative of anoperating parameter (e.g., a temperature, a pressure, a fluid level,etc.) or an actuator position that may be used to determine otherinformation about paver 18, such as one or more other operatingparameters. For example, sensors 72 b include a speed sensor configuredto generate a signal indicative of the groundspeed of compactor 20.Sensors 72 b also include a temperature sensor configured to generate asignal indicative of a temperature of work surface 14 (e.g., an infraredtemperature sensor). It is understood that sensors 72 b may includeother types of sensors configured to generate signals indicative ofother operating parameters associated with compactor 20 for determinecurrent operating parameters and/or tracking operating parameters over aperiod of operating time.

Control system 52 b also includes a controller 82 b in electroniccommunication with the other components of control system 52 b.Controller 82 b may be structurally similar to controller 82 a and isconfigured to receive data inputs from each component of control system52 b, process the data, and generate output signals based on the inputsand/or processed data. For example, controller 82 b is configured toreceive inputs from control system 52 b and automatically generatemachine commands, such as commands to adjust (e.g., increase ordecrease) the groundspeed of compactor 20, adjust the compacting energy(e.g., the vibration frequency or magnitude) of compacting tool 40,and/or adjust the travel direction of compactor 20.

Controller 82 b is be configured to generate output signals to othercomponents of control system 52 b. For example, controller 82 b isconfigured to generate graphical images indicative of operationalinformation based on received inputs and display the graphical images ondisplay device 66 b for viewing by the operator of compactor 20. Theoperational information indicated by the graphical images may includedata generated by control system 52 b, information generated by controlsystem 52 a received via communication device 80 b, or a combinationthereof (e.g., data generated by each control system 52 a, 52 b orinformation determined based on data generated by each control system 52a, 52 b). That is, controller 82 b is configured to generate one or moreoutput signals based on data generated by control system 52 a of paver18.

To provide supervisors with greater access to information about eachmachine 12 and plant 30 (referring to FIG. 1), control system 50 isconfigured to gather data inputs from each machine control system 52 a,52 b and plant 30 and present the information to supervisors in a visualformat that can be quickly and easily understood. For example, controlsystem 50 includes a portable or stationary computer configured toreceive information from each machine control system 52 a, 52 b, such asoff-board computer 68 equipped with a communication device 80 c, andgenerate graphical images for conveying this information in a visualformat at any location on or away from worksite 10. Although off-boardcomputer 68 is particularly mentioned, it is understood that othercomputational devices (e.g., controller 82 a, 82 b) may be used togenerate graphical images to convey this information.

In some embodiments, machine control systems 52 a, 52 b and plant 30 isin electronic communication with a central server configured to storeprograms and/or algorithms for processing information generated bymachine control systems 52 a, 52 b and plant 30 and generating graphicalimages to convey the information. The server is accessible viacommunication hardware, such as communication devices 80 a, 80 b, and/orin conjunction with other communication networks, such as the Internet.That is, in some embodiments, control system 50 includes web-basedfeatures accessible to other electronic devices that are configured toconvey information for monitoring and managing worksite 10.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The disclosed control system may be used with a plurality of machineswhere coordinating their respective operations on a worksite in anefficient and effective manner is important. The disclosed controlsystem is particularly useful for coordinating road surfacing operationswhere multiple machines are used to deliver paving material from amaterial production plant, deposit the paving material into a worksurface, and compact the freshly deposited paving material. A controllerwithin the system can receive location data and other operatingparameters relating to each machine and the plant. The controller isconfigured to generate graphical images on a display device based on thereceived information. The graphical images are configured toqualitatively and/or quantitatively convey the information from eachmachine and from the plant to allow operators and supervisors to quicklyvisualize and understand the state of operations on the worksite. Thegraphical images can be used to receive input from the operators andsupervisors for controlling particular aspects of each machine. Anexemplary operation of control system 50 will now be explained.

It is noted that any computational function performed by off-boardcomputer 68 in the examples discussed below can also or alternatively beperformed by another computational device, such as controller 82 a, 82b, an off-board server, or another computerized device.

During a road surfacing operation, it is often a supervisor'sresponsibility to coordinate a plurality of machines (e.g., machines 12)for performing a paving operation on a worksite (e.g., worksite 10). Tohelp coordinate machines 12, the supervisor is provided with access to acomputer, such as off-board computer 68, from anywhere on or away fromworksite 10 that is configured to provide operational information abouteach machine 12. Off-board computer 68 receives data messages from eachmachine 12 on worksite 10 via communication device 80 c and uses thedata messages to locate and identify each machine 12. For instance, eachdata message may contain GPS coordinates (e.g., generated by locatingdevice 70 a, 70 b) and an associated machine ID. After determining whichof machines 12 are present, off-board computer 68 generates on itsdisplay device 66 c a first graphical user interface (GUI) 84, as shownin FIG. 3.

GUI 84 has a plurality of first graphical objects 86, each beingindicative of one of the plurality of machines 12 (e.g., paver 18,compactors 20, etc.) or material production plant 30. Each of theplurality of graphical objects 86 is selectable via input device 64 cassociated with off-board computer 68 (referring to FIG. 2). Each ofgraphical objects 86 is also be indicative of a status score of theindicated machine 12 or material production plant 30. The status scoreof each machine 12 or plant 30 is an indication of whether and/or towhat extent one or more operating parameters of each machine 12 or plant30 deviates from an expected or target value or threshold value. In thisway, supervisors are able to use GUI 84 to quickly determine which, ifany, of machines 12 and plant 30 require attention and how to prioritizesubsequent efforts to address any issues. Graphical objects 86 indicatewhich of machines 12 and plant 30 require attention based ondifferentiating visual indicia, such as a color scheme (e.g., red,yellow, green), textures, hatching, symbols, numerals, etc. It isunderstood that other types of indicia may be used.

When a supervisor wishes to receive more detail about a particularmachine 12 or plant 30, the supervisor selects one of graphical objects86 via input device 64 c. For example, when the supervisor selects thegraphical object 86 indicative of paver 18, off-board computer 68receives the supervisor's selection as an input and generates a secondgraphical user interface (GUI) 88 on display device 66 a, as shown inFIG. 4, based on the selection. GUI 88 includes a plurality of graphicalobjects 90, each being indicative of a difference between one of theplurality of operating parameters and the associated expected or targetvalue. That is, graphical objects 90 are indicative of the differencebetween each operating parameter and its associated target or expectedvalue that was used to determine the status score of the selectedmachine 12 or plant 30.

As shown in the example of FIG. 4, graphical objects 90 of GUI 88 areindicative of the differences between operating and target parameters ofor relating to paver 18. For example, graphical objects 90 include anasphalt temperature object 92, a paver groundspeed object 94, a paverproduction rate object 96, a plant production rate object 98, a totalweight object 100 (i.e. of material deposited) and a total distanceobject 102 (i.e. distance paved). Such information may be used by asupervisor in determining how to coordinate operations of paver 18and/or other machines 12 on worksite 10.

Off-board computer 68 receives data messages via communication device 80c indicative of the current asphalt temperature in hopper 32 (e.g., asdetermined by sensors 72 a), groundspeed of paver 18 (e.g., asdetermined by sensors 72 a), production rate of paver 18 (e.g., asdetermined by production monitoring system 74), production rate of plant30, and amount of material deposited by paver 18 (e.g., as determined byproduction monitoring system 74), and/or other information. Off-boardcomputer 68 compares the temperature of asphalt in hopper 32 to a knowntarget temperature or temperature range (e.g., 190° F.-320° F.) anddetermines whether the current asphalt temperature is within, above, orbelow the target range. Asphalt temperature object 92 may includequalitative indicia, such as a dial with colored areas, that may allowan operator to quickly understand whether and to what extent the asphaltin hopper 32 is at an adequate temperature for paving. Although asphalttemperature object 92 is shown as a dial, other types of indicia may beused, such as bars, flashing lights, color schemes, etc. In this way,supervisors may be able to quickly determine whether any issue existswith regard to the asphalt temperature.

Off-board computer 68 also determines a target groundspeed for paver 18,compares the target groundspeed to the current groundspeed of paver 18,and generates paver groundspeed object 94 based on the difference. Forexample, off-board computer 68 compares the plant production rate to thepaver production rate and determine whether paver 18 is depositingmaterial onto work surface 14 at a faster or slower rate than plant 30is producing material. Off-board computer 68 also concurrently generatespaver production rate object 96 and plant production rate object 98 toallow the supervisor to visualize the difference between theseproduction rates. As the production rate of plant 30 may dictate themaximum average production rate of paver 18, off-board computer 68determines the target groundspeed of paver 18 to be a groundspeed atwhich the production rate of paver 18 is equal to or within an allowabledifference of the plant production rate. For example, based on thewidth, height, and slope of screed 34 (referring to FIG. 2), asdetermined by sensors associated with production monitoring system 74 orknown parameters, off-board computer 68 determines the groundspeed ofpaver 18 that will cause the production rate of paver 18 to be equal toor within a tolerable difference of the production rate of plant 30.

Off-board computer 68 then generates paver groundspeed object 94 to beindicative of the difference between the current groundspeed of paver 18and the target groundspeed. Paver groundspeed object 94 may includefeatures, such as a color scheme, hatching, blinking lights, etc., as anindication of the direction (e.g., higher or lower) and extent to whichthe current groundspeed is different from the target groundspeed. Inthis way, the supervisor sis able to quickly visualize and understandthe relative production rates of plant 30 and paver 18. This informationcan be used by the supervisor to determine whether and how theoperations of paver 18 should be adjusted in order to bring theproduction rate of paver 18 to the target rate. For instance, thesupervisor is able to use this information to determine that thegroundspeed of paver 18 should be adjusted. The supervisor can thencommunicate with the operator of paver 18 (e.g., via radio, cellularcommunications, onboard display, etc.) to effectively achieve thedesired speed change or other operational adjustment.

In some embodiments, GUI 88 may include a graphical object 104configured to receive a user input indicative of a command to adjust(e.g., increase or decrease) the groundspeed of paver 18 to an adjustedgroundspeed. When the supervisor determines, based on the information inGUI 88, that paver 18 is depositing material at a slightly slower ratethan plant 30 is producing it, the supervisor can then use graphicalobject 104 to override control of the groundspeed of paver 18 and tovisualize whether and to what extent the production rate of paver 18 canbecome closer to the production rate of plant 30 when operated at theadjusted groundspeed. In some embodiments, adjustments to thegroundspeed of paver 18 made via graphical object 104 initiate asimulation mode, which includes the generation of an additionalgraphical user interface for displaying simulation parameters andresults. The additional graphical user interface is a GUI, such as aduplication of GUI 88 that contains updated or regenerated graphicalobjects that show any changes to the operating parameters displayed inGUI 88 that may be affected by changing the groundspeed of paver 18.

GUI 88 enables the supervisor to understand the effects of changing thegroundspeed of paver 18 on the paving operation by the resulting changesin other operational parameters displayed via GUI 88 (or its duplicate).For example, if paver 18 is running too slowly, it may be using materialmore slowly than plant 30 is producing it. Depending on how long paver18 was using less material than plant 30 was producing it, paver 18 mayhave fallen behind on the amount of material it is supposed to depositfor a given period of time, such as for the current day. GUI 88 allowsthe supervisor to compare the total amount of material deposited or thetotal distance traveled by paver 18 to a target amount or targetdistance for the current day, as provided by total weight object 100 andtotal distance object 102, to decide whether or not to increase theground speed of paver 18 so the production rate of paver 18 is greaterthan the production rate of plant 30 in order to make up for lost time.GUI 88 also includes a graphical object 106 indicative of a total amountof material produced by plant 30 and a total amount of materialavailable from plant 30 for the current day, the current job, or otherallotment criterial. GUI 88 allows the operator to then be able to seehow these production parameters respond to a change in paver groundspeedby using graphical object 104. Based on this information, the supervisorcan determine whether or not a decision to increase the production rateof paver 18 above the production rate of plant 30 will starve paver 18or whether it is necessary to contact another plant about receivingadditional material to help meet production goals.

Although graphical object 104 has been described with reference to thegroundspeed of paver 18, it is understood that other or additionaladjustable parameters may instead be alterable by graphical object 104or additional graphical objects, if desired. For example, screedsettings (e.g., width, height, slope), conveyor feed rates, and or otherparameters may be made adjustable via GUI 88 for purposes of simulationor overriding machine control.

After the supervisor adjusts the groundspeed of paver 18 using graphicalobject 104, off-board computer 68 is configured to update (i.e.,regenerate) GUI 88 or some of graphical objects 90 to reflect thedifference on any operating parameter that the supervisor's actions mayhave. In some embodiments, inputs received by graphical object 104 areused to cause off-board computer 68 to generate command signalscommunicable to paver 18 (i.e., machine control system 52 a) forautomatically adjusting the actual groundspeed of paver 18. In otherembodiments, off-board computer 68 is configured to enter a simulationmode or generate a simulation interface, as mentioned above, that isconfigured to reproduce GUI 88 using a simulation model or algorithmconfigured to predict and display how the change in groundspeed of paver18 commanded by the supervisor will affect the paving operation. Inother embodiments, GUI 88 includes other graphical objects to allow thesupervisor to similarly adjust other aspects of paver 18, such asheight, width, and slope of screed 34 and the feed rate of material fromhopper 32 to screed 34.

As off-board computer 68 receives updated operating parameters frommachines 12 and plant 30, as well as after any time the supervisor makesan adjustment to the groundspeed or other parameter of paver 18 during asimulation, off-board computer 68 is configured to reevaluate the statusscore of paver 18. That is, off-board computer 68 is configured tocompare the current operating parameters (or simulated current operatingparameters) of paver 18 to the target parameters and determine whetherand to what extent they differ. Off-board computer 68 is configured tothen update first graphical objects 86 on GUI 84. As shown in FIG. 4,the first graphical object 86 associated with the selected machine 12(e.g., paver 18) is shown in GUI 88 (or a duplicate GUI generated duringa simulation) to allow the supervisor to see the updated status scorewithout having to return to GUI 84 (referring to FIG. 3), therebyallowing for a speedy adjustment process.

In some embodiments, GUI 88 contains additional or other graphicalobjects configured to convey information about paver 18 and/or others ofmachines 12. For example, off-board computer 68 is configured to receivesignals indicative of the location and groundspeed of each other machine12, including haul trucks 16 (referring to FIG. 1). Based on thelocation and groundspeed of each machine 12, off-board computer 68 isconfigured to determine relevant statistical information and display theinformation via graphical objects. For instance, GUI 88 includes agraphical object 101 configured to display an amount of time until thenext haul truck 16 arrives at paver 18 with fresh paving material. Thatis, location information associated with each haul truck 16 is receivedvia an associated location device, which can be used in conjunction withthe known location of paver 18 to determine the amount of time until thenext haul truck 16 arrives at paver 18. Based on the time until the nexthaul truck 16 arrives, the supervisor can quickly understand whetheradjustments to the production rate or groundspeed of any machine may beappropriate to avoid a delay in production or to avoid a delay in theuse of fresh material (which can allow the fresh material to cool belowa desired threshold temperature).

In some embodiments, GUI 88 includes a graphical object 103 a indicativeof a fill level of hopper 32 and a graphical object 103 b indicative ofan amount of time until hopper 32 will become empty. An amount ofmaterial remaining in hopper 32 is determined, for example, based on thesignal generated by production monitoring system 74, which is then usedin connection with the production rate of paver 18 to determine anamount of time remaining until hopper 32 becomes empty. Graphicalobjects 103 a and 103 b are configured to convey the remaining amount ofmaterial and remaining time, respectively, so the supervisor can quicklyand easily understand how much material is in hopper 32 and for how longpaver 18 can continue production without having to pause to refillhopper 32. Information provided by graphical objects 103 a and 103 b inconjunction with the information provided by graphical object 101 allowsa supervisor to quickly and easily decide whether and to what extent thegroundspeed of paver 18 or of the next haul truck 16 should be adjusted(if possible) to minimize downtime and asphalt cooling time.

In the even that production is paused and paver 18 is stopped, GUI 88includes a graphical object 105 that is indicative of an amount of timethat paver 18 has been stopped and continues to sit idly. Thegroundspeed of paver 18 is determined, for example, based on a signalgenerated by a speed sensor or a positioning sensor, and the groundspeedis tracked over a period of paving time to determine when thegroundspeed of paver 18 is zero (i.e., when paver 18 is not moving or isidle). Graphical object 105 is configured to convey the amount of timeduring which the groundspeed of paver 18 is zero (i.e., an idle time).As paver 18 sits idly, the paving material in hopper 32 can cool, andmay need to be discarded if the idle time exceeds a threshold amount oftime. Thus, graphical object 105 allows the supervisor to quickly andeasily determine how long paver 18 has been idle and whether certainactions may need to be taken as a result of the elapsed time. Further,the weight of screed 34 can create grooves or other defects in thefreshly laid asphalt if paver 18 sits idly for too long, which mayrequire additional manpower, material, and time to repair. Thusgraphical object 105 assists the supervisor to decide how to avoid orwhen to repair such defects

When plant 30 is some distance (and time) away from worksite 10,supervisors often wish to be informed of certain details and parametersrelating to the supply chain of haul trucks 16 bringing material fromplant 30 to worksite 10. To help provide supervisors with informationabout the supply chain, GUI 88 includes a graphical object 107configured to convey one or more supply chain parameters in a clear andsimple way. For instance, GUI 88 includes a graphical object 107 aindicative of a number of haul trucks 16 that are traveling betweenplant 30 and worksite 10 with fresh paving material. This informationallows supervisors to quickly understand, among other things, whetherthe supply chain is operating properly, whether pauses in production forlack of material are to be expected, or whether too much fresh materialis in queue and is at risk of excessive cooling. A graphical object 107b is configured to identify the truck 16 currently at paver 18 to allowthe supervisor to understand which truck 16 in the scheduled queue oftruck is currently filling hopper 32. A graphical object 107 c isconfigured to identify the truck currently being loaded with freshmaterial at plant 30 and its estimated arrival time at jobsite 10. Thisinformation allows the supervisor to understand quickly how far along inthe production process plant 30 is with respect to the scheduledproduction plan and how much time haul trucks 16 are currently taking toreach jobsite 10. Information conveyed by graphical objects 107 a-c aredetermined, for example, based on other supply chain parameters, such asthe locations (e.g., as determined by a location device) andgroundspeeds (e.g., as determined by a location device or speed sensor)of haul trucks 16.

Although certain graphical objects that may be indicative of certainparameters are shown in FIG. 4 (and other figures) and described herein,it is understood that other graphical objects indicative of other and/oradditional parameters or information may be used to convey aspectsrelating to paving operations and support.

Parameters and other information indicated by the graphical objectscontained in a graphical user interface (e.g., GUI 88) may each beassociated with a respective threshold value or target value. Thedifference between the information displayed by a graphical object andits associated threshold or target value are used to determine thestatus score of the machine 12 or plant 30 that is the subject of thegraphical user interface. For instance, graphical object 86 in GUI 88 isconfigured to indicate the status score of paver 18 based on adifference between the information displayed in any of the graphicalobjects in GUI 88 and its respective associated threshold or targetvalue. For example, when the paver stop time as indicated by graphicalobject 105 exceeds an associated threshold, graphical object 86 shows,for example, a yellow or red status score, depending on the extent towhich the stop time has exceeded the threshold. When paver 18 resumesoperation (and if no other parameters are currently in excess of anassociated threshold), the status score in graphical object 86 ischanged, for example, to the color green to indicate that the state ofpaving operations is acceptable. Graphical objects 86 as shown in FIG. 3are configured to change color (or other indicia) in coordination withgraphical objects 86 of other graphical user interfaces. It isunderstood that although the status score has been explained above withrespect to the stop time of paver 18 and GUI 88, status scores may beaffected by other parameters (e.g., groundspeed, production rate, fuellevel, water level, etc.) or differences between them. It is alsounderstood that status scores for other machines (e.g., compactors 20,trucks 16, and plant 30) may be similarly determined. In this way,supervisors are able to quickly and easily identify when issues arisethat may need their attention.

Referring again to FIG. 3, when the supervisor selects a first graphicalobjet 86 associated with another of machines 12, off-board computer 68generates another GUI corresponding to the selecting machine 12. Forexample when the supervisor selects a first graphical object 86associated with one of compactors 20, off-board computer 68 generates acorresponding GUI. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, off-board computergenerates a graphical user interface (GUI) 108 corresponding to aparticular compactor 20 (e.g., a breakdown compactor). GUI 108 containsgraphical objects 110 indicative of a difference between an operatingparameter associated with compactor 20 and an associated expected ortarget value. That is, graphical objects 110 is indicative of thedifference between an operating parameter and its associated target orexpected value that was used to determine its status score displayed inGUI 84.

For example, graphical objects 110 include a surface temperature object112, an impacts object 114, a compactor groundspeed object 116, a pavergroundspeed object 118, and a water object 120. Such information can beused by a supervisor in determining how to coordinate operations ofcompactor 20 in conjunction with the operations of paver 18 and/or othermachines 12 on worksite 10.

Off-board computer 68 is configured to receive data messages viacommunication device 80 c indicative of the current temperature of thefreshly laid asphalt on top of work surface 14 (e.g., as determined bysensors 72 b), the groundspeed of compactor 20 (e.g., as determined bysensors 72 b), the groundspeed of paver 18 (e.g., as determined bysensors 72 a), an amount of water for wetting compacting tool 40 (e.g.,as determined by sensors 72 b), and the location of compactor 20 (e.g.,as determined by locating device 70 b). Off-board computer 68 isconfigured to compare the temperature of work surface 14 to a knowntarget temperature or temperature range (e.g., 320° F.-190° F.) anddetermine whether the current temperature of work surface 14 is within,above, or below the target range. After paver 18 lays down a mat offresh material, compactor 20 (i.e., a breakdown compactor) may beinstructed to compact the fresh mat while it is still at a particulartemperature or within a particular temperature range. This instructionrequires compactor 20 to follow behind paver 18 at a certain distancethat is dependent on the mat temperature. When the temperature ofsurface 14 is outside of the desired range, as indicated by surfacetemperature object 112, the supervisor can adjust the distance betweencompactor 20 and paver 18 or pause the operation for furtherassessments.

At times, an operator of compactor 20 may intentionally or inadvertentlyput too much or too little distance between compactor and paver 18during the compacting process and attempt to correct this distance. Indoing so, a ratio of the vibration frequency associated with compactingtool 40 to the groundspeed of compactor can deviate from a desired ratioor range of ratios. Off-board computer 68 receives, via communicationdevice 80 c, signals indicative of the vibration frequency of compactingtool 40 and the groundspeed of compactor 20 from machine control system52 b (referring to FIG. 2). The ratio of the vibration frequency to thegroundspeed of compactor 20 is indicative of the compacting energy(i.e., number of impacts per foot) applied to work surface 14 bycompactor 20. When compactor slows down or speeds up, the number ofimpacts per foot increase or decreases, respectively. Depending on whichcompacting stage compactor 20 is performing (e.g., breakdown,intermediate, cleanup, etc.), compactor 20 can be assigned a certaintarget ratio (i.e., target compacting energy) or target number ofimpacts per foot maintain during operation.

To help supervisors understand when the ultimate goal of imparting thetarget number of impacts per foot on work surface 14 is or is not beingachieved, off-board computer generates impacts object 114 to indicatethe direction (e.g., higher or lower) and extent to which the currentnumber of impacts per foot is different than the target number ofimpacts per foot. Impacts object 114 includes qualitative indicia, suchas a dial with colored areas, bars, flashing lights, color schemes, etc.In this way, supervisors can quickly determine whether any issue existswith regard to the number of impacts per foot being achieved bycompactor 20.

Off-board computer 68 also determines a target groundspeed for compactor20, compare the target groundspeed to the current groundspeed ofcompactor 20, and generate compactor groundspeed object 116 based on thedifference. For example, off-board computer 68 receives and compare thepaver groundspeed compactor groundspeed determined by sensors 72 a and72 b, respectively. When the groundspeed of paver 18 dictates theaverage groundspeed at which compactor 20 should travel to maintain aconstant distance from paver 18, off-board computer 68 determines thetarget groundspeed of compactor 20 to be a speed equal to or within anallowable difference of the groundspeed of paver 18.

Off-board computer 68 then generates compactor groundspeed object 116 tobe indicative of the difference between the current groundspeed ofcompactor 20 and the target groundspeed. Off-board computer 68 alsoconcurrently generates paver groundspeed object 118 to allow thesupervisor to confirm whether any differences in impacts per foot or thedetected temperature of work surface 14 are attributable to a deviationof compactor 20 from its target groundspeed. Compactor groundspeedobject 116 may include features, such as a color scheme, hatching,blinking lights, etc., as an indication of the direction (e.g., higheror lower) and extent to which the current groundspeed is different fromthe target groundspeed. In this way, the supervisor is able to quicklyvisualize and understand the relative groundspeeds of compactor 20 andpaver 18, as well as the implications this difference may have on otheroperating parameters. This information allows the supervisor todetermine whether and how to adjust the operations of compactor 20. Suchan adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the groundspeed ofcompactor 20.

In some embodiments, GUI 108 includes a graphical object 122 configuredto receive a user input indicative of a command to adjust (e.g.,increase or decrease) the groundspeed of compactor 20 to an adjustedgroundspeed. For instance, the supervisor may at times determine, basedon the information in GUI 108, that compactor 20 is moving away from anarea of paved surface 14 at the target temperature for compacting orthat the number of impacts per foot being achieved is too low. Graphicalobject 122 enables the supervisor to increase or decrease thegroundspeed of compactor 20 to cause the number of impacts per footand/or the temperature of surface 14 in front of compactor 20 to reachthe respective target value.

Depending on how long compactor 20 was moving farther or closer to paver18, it can be difficult to achieve the proper distancing throughgroundspeed adjustments without falling below the target amount ofimpacts per foot. To help confirm that compactor 20 is meeting itstarget number of impacts per foot, GUI 108 includes a map 124 of atleast a portion of worksite 10 where compactor 20 is operating. Usingthe location of compactor 20 over time, as determined by locating device70 b (referring to FIG. 2), off-board computer 68 is configured togenerate map 124 to be indicative of where compactor 20 has traveled andnumber of impacts per foot achieved at each location (e.g., using acolor scheme, hatching, patterns, etc.). Based on this information, thesupervisor is able to determine whether or not a decision to increase ordecrease the groundspeed of compactor 20 is improving the compactingoperation.

After the supervisor adjusts the groundspeed of compactor 20 usinggraphical object 122, off-board computer 68 updates (i.e., regenerates)GUI 108 or some of graphical objects 110 to reflect the difference onany operating parameter that the supervisor's actions may have. In thisway, the supervisor are able to quickly identify an effective solutionafter performing one or more iterative adjustments. In some embodiments,inputs received by graphical object 110 cause off-board computer 68 togenerate command signals communicable compactor 20 (i.e., machinecontrol system 52 b) for automatically adjusting the actual groundspeedof compactor 20. In other embodiments, off-board computer 68 enters asimulation mode or generate a simulation interface configured toreproduce GUI 108 using a simulation model or algorithm configured topredict and display how the change in groundspeed of compactor commandedby the supervisor will affect the compacting operation.

Although graphical object 122 has been described with reference to thegroundspeed of compactor 20, it is understood that other or additionaladjustable parameters may instead be alterable by graphical object 122or additional graphical objects, if desired. For example, vibrationsettings, water feed rates, following distances, and or other parametersmay be made adjustable via GUI 88 for purposes of simulation oroverriding machine control.

In some embodiments, GUI 108 includes other graphical objects to allowthe supervisor to similarly adjust other aspects of compactor 20. Forexample, water object 120 is indicative of how much water remains in astorage tank onboard compactor 20. When compactor 20 includes a wateringsystem for wetting compacting tool 40 to prevent fresh asphalt fromsticking to it during compaction, water object is indicative of anamount of water remaining (e.g., as determined by sensors 72 b). In thisway, the supervisor is able to determine when to refill the water tankbased on the water level and/or other aspects of the operation that mayprovide an opportunity to refill without incurring delay or sacrificingcompaction quality.

As off-board computer 68 receives updated operating parameters frommachines 12 and plant 30, as well as after any time the supervisor makesan adjustment to the groundspeed or other parameter of compactor 20,off-board computer 68 reevaluates the status score of compactor 20. Thatis, off-board computer 68 compares the current operating parameters (orsimulated current operating parameters) of compactor 20 to the targetparameters and determines whether and to what extent they differ.Off-board computer 68 then updates first graphical objects 86 on GUI 84to reflect any changes. As shown in FIG. 4, the first graphical object86 associated with the selected machine 12 (e.g., compactor 20) areshown in GUI 108 to allow the supervisor to see the updated status scorewithout having to return to GUI 84 (referring to FIG. 3), therebyallowing for a speedy adjustment process.

In some embodiments, GUI 108 contains additional or other informationconfigured allow the supervisor to visualize aspects of the compactingoperation in great detail. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, map 124 isconfigured to display additional information in coordination with thelocation of compactor 20 over a period of operating time. For instance,in addition to the number if impacts per foot achieved by compactor 20,off-board computer 68 is configured to show the determined surfacetemperature of work surface 14, a pass count (i.e., number of timescompactor traveled over a particular location), and/or compaction value(i.e., compaction quality factor) as a function of the location ofcompactor 20. Off-board computer 68 associates one or more of the ratioof the vibration frequency to the groundspeed of compactor 20, thesurface temperature of work surface 14, the pass count, and thecompaction value with each recorded location of compactor 20 over aperiod of compacting time, and configures map 124 to indicate theassociated value(s) in coordination with each recorded location. Forexample, when the supervisor selects an option to see the temperature ofsurface 14 when it was compacted by compactor 20, off-board computer 68generates map 124 to show the current location of compactor 20 incoordination with the sensed temperature of work surface 14 when it wastraversed by compactor 20. Map 124 also or alternatively is configuredto show the current temperature of surface 14 to allow the supervisor tosee if compactor 20 is operating in areas 126, 128, or 130 that areabove, at, or below the target temperature, respectively, forcompaction. In this way, supervisors are able to confirm whether areasof surface 14 have been or are being properly compacted, allowing forquick corrective measures to be taken when necessary.

Referring again to FIG. 3, when the supervisor selects a first graphicalobjet 86 associated with another of machines 12, off-board computer 68generates another GUI corresponding to the selected machine 12. Forexample when the supervisor selects a first graphical object 86associated with one of haul trucks 16, off-board computer 68 generates acorresponding GUI. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, off-board computer68 generates a graphical user interface (GUI) 132 corresponding to aparticular haul truck or a group of haul trucks associated with thesurfacing operation. GUI 132 contains graphical objects 134 indicativeof a difference between an operating parameter associated with compactor20 and an associated expected or target value. That is, graphicalobjects 134 may be indicative of the difference between an operatingparameter and its associated target or expected value that was used todetermine the status score displayed in GUI 84.

For example, based on other information, such as the production rate ofpaver 18, the amount of material in hopper 32, and/or the number oftrucks traveling between plant 30 and worksite 10 (as discussed above),off-board computer 68 determines a target arrival time for each haultruck 16 traveling to worksite 10 with fresh paving material. The targetarrival time is an amount of time until a particular haul truck isneeded to deliver material to paver 18. Based on a current location ofeach haul truck 16 (as determined by an associated location deviceconfigured to generate a location signal communicable to off-boardcomputer 68), off-board computer 68 determines an actual estimatedarrival time for each haul truck 16 at worksite 10. Off-board computer68 also receives other information, such as traffic conditions, weatherconditions, road closure information, and/or other factors availablethrough known (e.g., commercial) resources and use this information tomore accurately determine the target and actual arrival time for eachhaul truck.

Off-board computer 68 generates a map 136 of an area containing one ormore of haul trucks 16, paver 18, and/or plant 30, and generates a haultruck detail object 138 for each haul truck 16 on the map. Haul truckdetail object 138 include information, such as a target time to paver18, a distance to paver 18, contents of haul truck 16, and a capacity(e.g. weight) of material in haul truck 16. In some embodiments, haultruck detail object 138 also include an actual or estimated temperatureof the paving material within haul truck 16. Off-board computer 68generates an actual estimated arrival time object 140 configured to showthe actual estimated arrival time of haul truck 16. When a differencebetween the actual estimated arrival time and the target arrival timeexceeds a tolerable difference, off-board computer 68 updates the statusscore of haul truck 16 to indicate whether and to what extent haul truck16 will miss the target arrival time. Off-board computer 68 then updatesfirst graphical objects 86 on GUI 84 to reflect any changes. As shown inFIG. 7, the first graphical object 86 associated with the selectedmachine 12 (e.g., haul truck 16) are shown in GUI 132 to allow thesupervisor to see the updated status score without having to return toGUI 84 (referring to FIG. 3), thereby allowing for a speedy assessmentprocess.

Referring again to FIG. 3, when the supervisor selects a first graphicalobjet 86 associated with plant 30, off-board computer 68 generatesanother GUI corresponding to plant 30. For example, as shown in FIG. 8,off-board computer 68 generate a graphical user interface (GUI) 142 thatcontains graphical objects 144 indicative of a difference between anoperating parameter associated with plant 30 and an associated expectedor target value. That is, graphical objects 144 are indicative of thedifference between an operating parameter and its associated target orexpected value that was used to determine the status score displayed inGUI 84.

Based on the known production rate of plant 30, a known amount ofmaterial needed to complete the surfacing operation (e.g., based on apredetermined design model), and a known amount of time available forcompleting the surfacing operation (e.g., entered by the supervisor),off-board computer 68 is configured to monitor the production rate ofplant 30 and determine whether and to what extent the production rate ofplant 30 is above, at, or below a production rate needed to sustainoperations at worksite 10. When a difference between the production rateof plant 30 and the target production rate falls below a tolerabledifference, off-board computer 68 updates the status score of plant 30to indicate whether and to what extent plant 30 will be unable to meetthe demand of the paving operation. Off-board computer 68 then updatesfirst graphical objects 86 on GUI 84 to reflect any changes. As shown inFIG. 8, the first graphical object 86 associated with plant 30 is shownin GUI 142 to allow the supervisor to see the updated status scorewithout having to return to GUI 84 (referring to FIG. 3), therebyallowing for a speedy assessment process.

GUI 142 includes a plant production rate object 146 configured to showthe supervisor the production rate of plant 30 and may be indicative ofwhether and to what extent plant 30 will be able to satisfy the materialdemand at worksite 10. Off-board computer 68 also generates a map 148 onGUI 142 showing an area containing one or more plants 30 within acertain distance of worksite 10. When multiple plants 30 are shown onmap 148, off-board computer 68 generates plant production rate object146 for each plant 30 to allow the supervisor to visualize whether anyother plants in the area can be relied on to make up for unfulfilleddemand. As shown in FIG. 8, map 148 may be combined with map 124(referring to FIG. 7).

In some embodiments, other information relating to plants 30 is also beprovided via GUI 142. For example, other graphical objects are includedto display a production temperature associated with each plant, adistance value from each plant to worksite 10, a maximum amount ofpaving material available, and/or other information. If a situation atplant 30 causes the production rate to drop or the productiontemperature of plant 30 falls below a minimum temperature needed tosuccessfully transport material from plant 30 to worksite 10 before itcools (e.g., as determined by off-board computer 68 in conjunction withthe known locations of plant 30 and worksite 10), off-board computer 68regenerates the associated graphical object and/or update the statusscore of plant 30 and update first graphical object 86 (on GUI 84 and/orGUI 142) to reflect any changes.

It is also noted that any information generated by off-board computer 68and shown to the supervisor on display device 66 c can also oralternatively be similarly communicated and shown to the operator of anyone or more of machines 12 (e.g., via display devices 66 a, 66 b), asdesired, to help operators visualize more effectively controloperational aspects of the surfacing operation.

In some embodiments, off-board computer 68 is a mobile device (e.g., asdescribed above) configured to be used as part of a process management65 tool for paving operations. That is, in some embodiments, off-boardcomputer 68, including processor 67, memory 69, display device 71,communication device, and input devices 64 c are collectively configuredto be used by an operator (e.g., a manager, a foreman, a superintendent,a director, etc.) as a mobile process management tool 65 for observing,controlling, and facilitating paving operations. As a mobile device,off-board computer 68 can be carried by personnel to any jobsite andused to interact with any device or machines connected to control system50 and/or be used to in a disconnected mode (i.e., disconnected fromother devices and machines of control system 50).

Off-board computer 68 is configured to generate interactive computerobjects, such as graphics (e.g., graphical objects) and GUIs, and/orreceive inputs in conjunction with programs stored in memory 69 andexecuted via processor 67 (e.g., programs may be stored, which, whenexecuted, are configured to generate graphical user interfaces,graphical objects, etc., and facilitate the receiving of inputs).

For example, in some embodiments, processor 67 is configured to generatea GUI 150 (e.g., on display device 71) as part of process managementtool 65 (referring to FIG. 2). GUI 150 is configured to facilitatesupervisory functions, such as monitoring and facilitating materialtransport processes between a first location and a second location. Forinstance, GUI 150 is configured to facilitate material transport betweena plant (e.g., asphalt plant 30) and a worksite (e.g., worksite 10)and/or a particular machine on the worksite (e.g., paver 18).

As explained above, process management tool 65 includes a communicationdevice 80 c, configured to receive data messages, display device 71,input device(s) 64 c, and processor 67, which is in communication withthe other components. During a material transport process, a user mayactivate GUI 150 to observe certain process parameters and/or otherinformation relating to a selected transport vehicle (e.g., selected viaa graphical object 86 on GUI 84, referring to FIG. 3) or fleet oftransport vehicles. Processor 67 is configured to generate GUI 150 ondisplay device 71, including one or more graphical objects and/orgraphical features.

For example, in some embodiments, processor 67 is configured to generatea map 152 indicative of a position of each of one or more transportvehicles 154 with respect to a first location 156 and a second location158. As described above, first location 156 may be an asphalt productionplant where fresh asphalt is produced for use in paving operations. Inother embodiments, first location 156 may be a different type ofmaterial storage facility, such as a quarry, a mine, a manufacturingfacility, a material storage facility, etc. Second location 158 may be aworksite or a machine on the worksite, such as a paver or other machineconfigured to consume, utilize, or process the material being delivered.It is to be appreciated that the use of the terms “first location” and“second location” are used in this description for purposes ofconvenience and clarity and are not intended to be limited. That is, insome embodiments, first and second locations 156, 158 may be differenttypes of locations and may be associated with a different type ofindustrial, commercial, private, or other endeavor involving thetransportation of material of any kind.

Map 152 is a graphical map configured to show the current locations oftransport vehicles 154 with respect to one another and to first andsecond locations 156, 158. In some embodiments, map 152 is aninteractive map configured to allow the user to zoom in or out (e.g.,using input device(s) 64 c) to change the area of view on the map. Thatis, the user is able to change the amount of area visible on map 152,allowing the user to see more or fewer transport vehicles 154 and/orother locations. In some embodiments, map 152 is associated with acommercially available GPS device or program and is configured to showother nearby traffic, roads, landmarks, and or other features.

In some embodiments, processor 67 is configured to generate one or moregraphical objects configured to convey information relating to one ormore transport vehicles shown on map 152. For example, in someembodiments, GUI 150 includes a truck ID object 160. Truck ID object 160is a graphical object configured to display identifying information(e.g., a serial number, a unique ID number or alphanumeric label, aname, etc.) associated with a selected transport vehicle. In someembodiments, the selected transport vehicle may be chosen via a truckselection object 162, Truck selection object 162 is a graphical objectconfigured to allow a user to select (e.g., via input device(s) 64 c)one of the one or more transport vehicles 154. Truck selection object162 may be, for example, a dropdown menu, a text box configured toreceive a text entry input, or a button configured to generate anothergraphical object from which the user may select a transport vehicle froma list or other set of transport vehicle options.

As explained above, map 152 shows the current location of one or more oftransport vehicles 154 with respect to first and second locations 156,158. In this way, GUI 150 enables the user to visualize the relativespacing (e.g., in distance) between certain transport vehicles 154 orbetween transport vehicles and first or second location 156, 158. Whenthe current locations of transport vehicles 154 are updated (e.g.,periodically, in real time, etc.), the user is able to also ascertain arelative timing between certain transport vehicles 154 or betweentransport vehicles and first and second location 156, 158. In this way,a supervisor or transport vehicle operator is enabled to control ordirect the control of one or more transport vehicle 154 to ensure properspacing between vehicles during a road building process.

In some embodiments, processor 67 is configured to generate additionalgraphical objects on GUI 150 to convey more particular informationrelating to the spacing between transport vehicles 154. For example, insome embodiments, GUI 150 includes graphical objects indicative of the,relative distance, time, speed, and/or other parameters relating to afirst transport vehicle 164, a second transport vehicle 166 and/or athird transport vehicle 168. In some embodiments, first transportvehicle 164 is the selected transport vehicle, as discussed above. Firsttransport vehicle 164 may be a transport vehicle of interest to asupervisor or the transport vehicle which a driver is currentlyoperating. Second transport vehicle 166 and third transport vehicle areothers of transport vehicles 154 shown on map 152. In some instances,second and third transport vehicles 166, 168 are the closest transportvehicles (e.g., in front of and/or behind) first transport vehicle 164.It is noted that first, second, and third transport vehicles 164, 166,168 are discussed here for exemplary purposes only, and in otherembodiments there may be graphical objects relating to more or fewertransport vehicles. Additionally, the respective positioning of secondand third transport vehicles 166, 168 with respect to first transportvehicle 164 may vary over time, and therefore are not limited to anyparticular position.

In some embodiments, GUI 150 includes one or more graphical objects 170indicative of a spacing between first transport vehicle 164 and secondtransport vehicle 166. In some embodiments, graphical objects 170includes a truck ID object 172, position object 174, distance object176, speed object 178, separation time object 180, and/or estimated timeof arrival (ETA) object 182. Truck ID object 172 is indicative ofidentifying information (e.g., ID number, name, serial number,alphanumeric string of characters, etc.) associated with secondtransport vehicle 166. Position object 174 is configured to indicate therelative position of second transport vehicle 166 with respect to firsttransport vehicle 164. For example, position object may indicate whethersecond transport vehicle is “closest ahead” (i.e., the closest vehicleahead) of first transport vehicle 164, closest behind, second positionahead or behind, third position ahead or behind, etc. Distance object176 is indicative of a separation distance between first and secondtransport vehicles 164, 166. Distance object 176 may be configured toindicate the separation distance (e.g., determined by processor 67 basedon GPS locations, a dedicated GPS device or program, etc.) in anydesired unit, such as feet, miles, yards, meters, kilometers, etc. Inthis way, objects 172, 174, and 176 enable the user to quickly andeasily understand which transport vehicle is on map 152, where it islocated relative to first transport vehicle 164, and how far away it is.A supervisory or truck operator can use this information to quicklydetermine whether a distance spacing between first transport vehicle 164and another vehicle is permissible or whether it should be adjusted.

Speed object 178 is indicative of a speed of second transport vehicle166. Speed object 178 may embody any style of speed indicator, such as aspeedometer, a numeric speed indicator, a sliding bar, a color codedobject, etc. In some embodiments, speed object is indicative of arelative speed of second transport vehicle 166 with respect to firsttransport vehicle 164. For example, in some embodiments, speed object178 includes features, such as colors, numbers, patterns, etc.,indicative of whether and to what extent second transport vehicle 166 istraveling faster, slower, or within an acceptable speed difference offirst transport vehicle 164. In this way, speed object 178 enables asupervisor or truck operator to quickly and easily understand howquickly another transport vehicle is moving and/or whether and to whatextent that other truck is moving faster or slower than first truck 164.In other embodiments, speed object 178 may be replaced with a differentobject indicative of a different parameter, such as a payload parameter(e.g., total payload, percent payload remaining, etc.), number of stopsin the travel route (e.g., number of stops remaining, number of stopsreached, etc.), and/or other information.

Separation time object 180 is indicative of a time spacing between firstand second transport vehicles 164, 166. That is, separation time object180 is indicative of how much time separates first and second transportvehicles 164, 166 at their current speeds—i.e., how much time untilfirst or second transport vehicle 164, 166 reaches the other. In someembodiments, separation time object 180 is configured to indicate whenthe separation time is above or below a certain threshold. For example,separation time object may be configured to change colors, becomehighlighted, start flashing, etc., when the separation time exceeds athreshold or falls below a threshold. In this way, separation timeobject 180 enables a supervisor or truck operator to quickly and easilyascertain how must time remains (e.g., speed of first transport vehicle164) until first transport vehicle 164 reaches second transport vehicle166.

ETA object 182 is indicative of how much time is left until secondtransport vehicle 166 reaches a destination, such as first location 156or second location 158. For example, ETA object 182 may indicate the ETAof second transport vehicle in minutes, hours, seconds, and/or othertime units. In some embodiments, ETA object 182 is configured toindicate when the ETA is above or below a certain threshold. Forexample, ETA object 182 may be configured to change colors, becomehighlighted, start flashing, etc., when the ETA exceeds a threshold orfalls below a threshold. In this way, ETA object 182 enables asupervisor or truck operator to quickly and easily ascertain how musttime remains until second transport vehicle 166 reaches its destination.

Graphical objects 170 enable a user (e.g., a supervisor or truckoperator) to quickly and easily ascertain the location, relative speed,and relative distance of other transport vehicles on map 152 withrespect to first transport vehicle 164. This enables users to understandhow to adjust the speed of first transport vehicle 164 relative to theother transport vehicles to ensure proper vehicle spacing and optimumdelivery timing of material to worksite 10. That is, users can observeand/or control transport vehicles 154 using the information determinedthrough graphical object 170 to improve timing and spacing of materialdeliveries to worksite 10 in order to optimize workflow and materialutilization.

In some embodiments, GUI 150 includes graphical objects 184 indicativeof a spacing between first transport vehicle 164 and third transportvehicle 168. As shown in FIG. 9, graphical objects 184 are the sametypes of graphical objects as graphical objects 170, and therefore willnot be discussed in detail. It is understood that other graphicalobjects indicative of a spacing between first transport vehicle 164 andother transport vehicles may be included, which may be the same ordifferent than graphical objects 170.

GUI 150 also includes graphical objects 186 indicative of parametersassociated with first transport vehicle 164. Graphical objects 186include a speed object 188 indicative of a speed of first transportvehicle 164. Speed object 188 may embody any style of speed indicator,such as a speedometer, a numeric speed indicator, a sliding bar, a colorcoded object, etc. In some embodiments, speed object 188 is indicativeof a relative speed of first transport vehicle 164 with respect toanother transport vehicle 154. In other embodiments, speed object 188 isindicative of whether and to what extent first transport vehicle 164will or will not arrive at a destination (e.g., first or second location156, 158) at a target time of arrival. For example, in some embodiments,speed object 188 includes features, such as colors, numbers, patterns,etc., indicative of whether and to what extent first transport vehicle164 is traveling faster, slower, or within an acceptable speed rangethat will enable first transport vehicle 164 to arrive at itsdestination on time. In this way, speed object 188 enables a supervisoror truck operator to quickly and easily understand how quickly firsttransport vehicle 164 is moving and/or whether and to what extent firsttransport vehicle 164 is travelling faster or slower than planned ordesired. In this way, speed object 188 enables a supervisor or operatorto understand how to control or direct the control of first transportvehicle 164 to ensure a timely arrival.

In some embodiments, graphical objects 186 also include a temperatureobject 190 indicative of a temperature associated with first transportvehicle 164. For example, temperature object 190 may be indicative ofthe temperature of asphalt or other material being transported by firsttransport vehicle. Temperature object 190 enables a user to quickly andeasily understand the temperature of the material being transported inconjunction with the positional, speed, and spacing informationindicated by GUI 150. In this way, users are able to determine whetherany process parameters (e.g., the speed of first transport vehicle 164and/or other transport vehicles) should be adjusted to avoid thetransported material from cooling to an extent where it cannot be usedin the paving process. In some embodiments, temperature object 190 isconfigured to indicate whether and/or to what extent the temperature ofthe transported material is above a threshold, below a threshold, orwithin a suitable range. For example, temperature object 190 may includecolors, numbers, patterns, etc., indicative of whether or to what extentthe temperature is above or below a threshold.

In some embodiments, graphical objects 186 also includes an ETA object191. ETA object 191 is indicative of how much time is left until firsttransport vehicle 164 reaches a destination, such as first location 156or second location 158. For example, ETA object 191 may indicate the ETAof first transport vehicle in minutes, hours, seconds, and/or other timeunits. In some embodiments, ETA object 191 is configured to indicatewhen the ETA is above or below a certain threshold. For example, ETAobject 191 may be configured to change colors, become highlighted, startflashing, etc., when the ETA exceeds a threshold or falls below athreshold. In this way, ETA object 191 enables a supervisor or truckoperator to quickly and easily ascertain how must time remains untilfirst transport vehicle 164 reaches its destination.

In some embodiments, GUI 150 includes a vehicle information object 192configured to display information relating to one of the transportvehicles 154. In some embodiments, vehicle information object 192 isgenerated in response to a user selection of one of transport vehicleson map 152 (e.g., via input device(s) 64 c). In some embodiments,vehicle information object 192 is an information overlay positioned ontop of map 152. In other embodiments, vehicle information object is aseparate window, table, or other graphical object displayed on displaydevice 71. Vehicle information object 192 includes informationassociated with the selected transport vehicle (i.e., the transportvehicle selected via map 152), such as, but not limited to vehicle IDinformation, distance information (e.g., to or from a location ordestination), time information (e.g., time to a location, destination,or to another vehicle), content or payload information (e.g., asphaltinformation), and vehicle specification information (e.g., model type,size, payload capacity, weight rating, etc.). Vehicle information object192 enables users to quickly check certain information relating tovehicles on map 152, which enables a quicker understanding of eachvehicle's status without requiring individual specific contact with eachvehicle.

In some embodiments, GUI 150 includes one or more process parameterobjects 194 and 196 indicative of a process parameter associated withthe material, such as at the first or second location 156, 158. Forexample, process parameter object 194 may be a plant parameter object194. Plant parameter object 194 is indicative of material parametersassociated with a plant, such as material production rate (e.g., asphaltproduction rate), a yield amount (hourly, daily, weekly, monthly, etc.),staged material amount (i.e., ready for pickup), type of materialmixture (e.g., asphalt content details), production temperature, and/orother information. Process parameter object 196 is a paver parameterobject 196. Paver parameter object 196 is indicative of materialparameters associated with a paver, such as material temperature (e.g.,in the hopper, on the conveyor, etc.), material quantity (e.g., in thehopper, on the conveyor, etc.), material type (e.g., asphalt mixturedetails), ticket number (e.g., batch number), paver production rate(e.g., material consumption or usage rate by weight or volume), and/orother information. Process parameter objects 194 and 196 enable a userto visualize and understand the state of the material at differentpoints in the process while simultaneously observing material transportprocess parameters. In this way, users are able to more thoroughly andeasily understand how to control or direct the control of transportvehicles 154 to ensure paving processes are sufficiently stocked withmaterial at suitable times with suitable temperatures.

In some embodiments, GUI 150 is configured to receive a user inputindicative of a personal message. For example, in some embodiments, GUI150 includes a message object 198 configured to receive a user input(e.g., via input device(s) 64 c) indicative of a personal message.Message object 198 may include message entry features, such as, but notlimited to, text boxes configured to receive a custom message, adropdown menu of preselected messages, message symbols (e.g., graphicalsymbols), and/or other types of message features. In some embodiments,message object 198 is configured to receive an input indicative of atransport vehicle intended to receive a particular message. For example,the user may type or otherwise enter the intended recipient into a textbox or message box, select the intended recipient (e.g., transportvehicle) from map 152 (e.g., via input device(s) 64 c), or select arecipient from a dropdown menu). It is understood that other selectiontechniques are possible. Communication object 198 enables users to craftand send desired messages to one or more transport vehicle to accomplishany type of communicative goal, such as ask a question, provideinstructions, share relevant information, and or other goals. In thisway, supervisors and operators are able to better communicate with othertransport vehicles while also observing operational activities, therebyimproving the speed, clarity, and frequency with which relevant messagescan be sent.

Processor 67 is configured to communicate the personal message viacommunication device 80 c. For example, in some embodiments, messageobject 198 includes a graphical object or other feature configured tosend or confirm an intention to send a message input via message object198. The message is then communicated to the intended transport vehicleand/or other transport vehicles via a communication network, such ascontrol system 50 (referring to FIG. 2).

In some embodiments, with reference to FIG. 10, GUI 150 includes commandobject 200 configured to display a message indicative of an operationalcommand. Command object 200 is a graphical object, such as a dialog boxoverlay positioned on top of map 152. In other embodiments, commandobject 200 is a separate window, table, or other graphical objectdisplayed on display device 71. The operational command displayed bycommand object 200 may include textual messages, symbolic messages(e.g., including meaningful symbols or characters), pictorial messages,and or other types of messages. The message may be indicative of acommand received via control system 50, such as a message generatedusing message object 198 from a different electronic device. Commandobject enables a user to be prompted with a command, which can becarried out while viewing the progress of their actions via GUI 150.

In some embodiments, GUI 150 includes a recommendation object 202, suchas a “help button” or similar type of selectable graphical object. Uponselection of recommendation object 202, processor 67 generates commandobject 200 and populates command object 200 with a message. The messagepopulated into command object may be indicative of a suggested procedureor course of action, a suggestion to contact other personnel, arecommended parameter setting (e.g., speed, separation distance,separation time, etc.), an alert (e.g., traffic alert, process parameteralert, etc.), or another type of message. Recommendation and suggestionmessages may be generated by processor 67 or by another computationaldevice associated with control system 50 and communicable thereby. Forexample, in some embodiments, a computational device within controlsystem 50 is configured to analyze process parameters from machines 12and plant 30, a traffic analysis system, and or other data sources, anddetermine (e.g., based on an algorithm or computational program) processrecommendations to optimize the paving process. Such recommendations mayinclude suggestions to slow down, speed up, wait at a plant, wait at aworksite, proceed in a certain amount of time (e.g., 1 minute, 5minutes, 30 minutes, etc.), in order to ensure proper spacing betweentransport vehicles.

For example, during a material transport operation, it is often the roleof a supervisor or foreman to coordinate adjustments to the transportprocess in order to accommodate process variation. A supervisor mayinstruct certain transport vehicles to pursue certain travel routes,wait for certain periods of time, utilize speed ranges within legalparameters, and or follow other commands to ensure a desired flow ofmaterial into the worksite at a proper temperature for use by the paver.Such determinations may be made by personnel or by a computer andcommunicated to process management tool 65 and displayed via commandobject 200 in response to being sent by the originating personnel orcomputer or upon selection of recommendation object 202 by the user(e.g., via input device(s) 64 c). Command object 200 and recommendationobject 202 enable users to receive and request command, tips, hints, orrecommendations for controlling or directing control of transportvehicles 154 to ensure proper spacing among transport vehicles and asteady flow of material to worksite 10.

Several advantages are associated with the disclosed control system. Forexample, because control system 50 may help supervisors to coordinatethe operations of each of machines 12 by aggregating information fromseveral data sources into a single control resource, supervisors areable to quickly and easily address several operational issues from anylocation where a communication signal can be maintained. Further,because data from a plurality of sources is aggregated into a singlecontrol device, supervisors are able to quickly obtain multiple piecesof relevant information without relying on other personnel or having tosearch through a plurality of data resources. Additionally, becausecontrol system 50 provides for the generation of GUIs that includequalitative indicia of operational aspects, supervisors are able toquickly and easily identify and understand situations needing correctiveaction as they are occurring, thereby allowing for the possibility of afast and accurate on-the-spot assessment and resolution. Becausesupervisors are able to simulate or actually command changes to theoperations of machines 12, effective solutions can be reached usingiterative adjustments and observations.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that variousmodifications and variations can be made to the disclosed control systemwithout departing from the scope of the disclosure. Other embodiments ofthe control system will be apparent to those skilled in the art fromconsideration of the specification and practice of the control systemdisclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and examples beconsidered as exemplary only, with a true scope of the disclosure beingindicated by the following claims and their equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A process management tool for managing transportof an asphalt material between a first location and a second location,comprising: a communication device configured to receive data messages;a display device; an input device configured to receive user inputs; anda processor in communication with the communication device, the displaydevice, and the input device, wherein the processor is configured to:generate a graphical user interface on the display device, the graphicaluser interface including: a map indicative of a position of each of aplurality of work trucks with respect to the first location and thesecond location, a first graphical object indicative of a spacingbetween at least a first work truck and a second work truck of theplurality of work trucks, a command object to notify an operator of atleast one of the first work truck and the second work truck to perform atask in order to ensure a proper spacing between the first work truckand the second work truck given road conditions and a process parameterassociated with the asphalt material at the first location and/or thesecond location, and a paver production object that provides anindication to adjust operation of a paver to raise or lower agroundspeed of the paver given a production rate of the asphalt materialfrom the first location, the process parameter associated with theasphalt material, and the spacing between at least the first work truckand the second work truck.
 2. The process management tool of claim 1,wherein the process parameter associated with the asphalt materialincludes at least one of a production temperature associated with theasphalt material at the first location and a worksite temperatureassociated with the asphalt material in one of a hopper of the paver oras a work surface created by the paver at the second location.
 3. Theprocess management tool of claim 2, wherein the processor is configuredto, based on if the production temperature of the asphalt material atthe first location falls below a minimum temperature needed tosuccessfully transport the asphalt material from the first location tothe second location before the asphalt material cools below a minimumtemperature, regenerate a second graphical object indicative of theprocess parameter associated with the asphalt material.
 4. The processmanagement tool of claim 1, wherein the first location is an asphaltplant and the second location is an asphalt paving worksite.
 5. Theprocess management tool of claim 1, wherein the first graphical objectis configured to indicate the spacing between the first work truck andthe second work truck as a time or a distance.
 6. The process managementtool of claim 1, wherein the process parameter associated with theasphalt material is further associated with the first location and/orthe second location.
 7. The process management tool of claim 1, whereinthe process parameter associated with the asphalt material is aproduction rate of the asphalt material and/or a consumption rate of theasphalt material.
 8. The process management tool of claim 1, wherein thegraphical user interface is configured to receive a user input via theinput device, the user input being indicative of a selected workingtruck from among the plurality of working trucks.
 9. The processmanagement tool of claim 8, wherein the process parameter associatedwith the asphalt material is further associated with the selectedworking truck.
 10. The process management tool of claim 8, wherein theprocess parameter associated with the asphalt material is a temperatureof the asphalt material in the selected working truck.
 11. The processmanagement tool of claim 1, wherein the graphical user interfaceincludes a third graphical object configured to display a messageindicative of an operational command.
 12. A method of providing aprocess management tool having a display device for managing transportof a hauling material between a plant and a worksite, the methodcomprising: generating a graphical user interface on the display device;displaying a map on the graphical user interface, the map beingindicative of a position of each of one or more transport vehicles withrespect to the plant and the worksite; displaying a first graphicalobject on the graphical user interface, the first graphical object beingindicative of a spacing between a first transport vehicle and a secondtransport vehicle of the one or more transport vehicles; and displayinga second graphical object on the graphical user interface, the secondgraphical object being indicative of a process parameter associated withthe hauling material at one or more of the plant and the worksite,wherein the process parameter associated with the material includes atleast one of a production temperature associated with the haulingmaterial at the plant and a worksite temperature associated with thehauling material at the worksite, regenerating the second graphicalobject when the production temperature of the hauling material at theplant falls below a minimum temperature needed to successfully transportthe hauling material from the plant to the worksite before the haulingmaterial cools below a minimum temperature, regenerating the secondgraphical object; and displaying a command object to notify an operatorof the first transport vehicle and/or the second transport vehicle toperform a task to ensure a proper spacing between the first transportvehicle and the second transport vehicle based on traffic conditions andthe process parameter associated with the hauling material.
 13. Themethod of claim 12, further comprising displaying a paver productionobject that provides an indication to adjust operation of a paver at theworksite to raise or lower a groundspeed of the paver based on aproduction rate of the hauling material at the plant, the processparameter associated with the hauling material, and a spacing betweenthe first transport vehicle and the second transport vehicle.
 14. Themethod of claim 12, wherein the first graphical object is configured toindicate the spacing between the first transport vehicle and the secondtransport vehicle as a time or a distance.
 15. The method of claim 12,wherein the process parameter associated with the hauling material isfurther associated with the plant and/or the worksite.
 16. The method ofclaim 12, wherein the process parameter associated with the haulingmaterial is a material production rate and/or a material consumptionrate.
 17. A process management tool for managing transport of an asphaltmaterial between an asphalt plant and an asphalt paving worksite,comprising: a communication device configured to receive messages; adisplay device; an input device configured to receive user inputs; and aprocessor in communication with the communication device, the displaydevice, and the input device, wherein the processor is configured to:generate a graphical user interface on the display device, the graphicaluser interface including: a map indicative of a position of each of oneor more transport vehicles with respect to the asphalt plant and theasphalt paving worksite, a first graphical object indicative of aspacing between a first transport vehicle and a second transport vehicleas a time or a distance, a second graphical object indicative of aprocess parameter at the asphalt plant, wherein the process parameterincludes one or more of a material production rate and a temperature,and wherein the processor is configured to, based on a drop in thematerial production rate or temperature at the asphalt plant, regeneratethe second graphical object and update the first graphical object, apaver production object that provides an indication to adjust operationof a paver at the asphalt paving worksite to raise or lower agroundspeed of the paver given the process parameter at the asphaltplant and the spacing between the first transport vehicle and the secondtransport vehicle.
 18. The process management tool of claim 17, whereinthe processor is an off-board processor and the graphical user interfacefurther includes a third graphical object indicative of an operatingparameter of the first transport vehicle and/or the second transportvehicle.
 19. The process management tool of claim 17, wherein thegraphical user interface further includes a command object to notify anoperator of the first transport vehicle and/or the second transportvehicle to perform a task to maintain a suitable spacing between thefirst transport vehicle and the second transport vehicle based on theprocess parameter at the asphalt plant and/or driving characteristicsbetween the asphalt paving plant and the asphalt paving worksite. 20.The process management tool of claim 17, wherein the process parameterassociated with the asphalt material is a production rate of the asphaltmaterial and/or a consumption rate of the asphalt material.